Assemblyman Jerry Hill is sponsoring AB 45 to require operators of increasingly popular “booze cruise” party buses to ascertain if they have passengers under 21 and read a statement that says consuming alcohol on board is unlawful. Passengers under 21 would have to sign the statement. Bus drivers who break the law would be subject to fines starting at $2,000 for a first offense and license suspensions or revocations and misdemeanor criminal charges for further violations. If any underage passenger drinks alcohol, the driver would be required to terminate the ride and return passengers to the pickup location. Assemblyman Hill, whose legislation (AB 1601) cracking down on repeat DUI offenders was signed this year by the governor, will join parents and law enforcement officials in discouraging underage drinking and encouraging responsible driving this holiday season and throughout the year. AB 1601, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2012, authorizes judges to revoke a license for 10 years for persons convicted of three or more DUIs in a 10-year period. Current law allows only for a license revocation period of three years for someone with three or more DUIs.